Date of Award

12-2011

Document Type

Open Access Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Clinical Psychology

First Advisor

Michael A. Milburn

Second Advisor

David Lisak

Third Advisor

Raymond A. Knight

Abstract

The present study aimed to replicate a preliminary model of female heterosexual coercion and subsequently expand the model with gender- and race-related variables. The preliminary model, which specified sexual compulsivity, sexual dominance, sociosexuality, and prior sexual abuse, as predictors of female heterosexual coercion, was sufficiently replicated with a racially diverse sample of college women. The model was then successfully expanded by adding rape myth acceptance and hyperfemininity to the model. Hyperfemininity was found to be a core predictor of female heterosexual coercion, challenging the notion that sexual coercion is an inherently "masculine" behavior. Actual minority status, perceived minority status, and ethnocentrism were found to moderate the fit of the model only slightly, suggesting that the model may be adequate, though perhaps not ideal, for predicting heterosexual coercion among women who identify as racial minorities and who are differentially impacted by oppression and privilege in U.S. society. Findings were discussed within a feminist framework and interpretations were informed by sexual script theory. Future directions for research into female heterosexual coercion were also proposed.

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